Famous qawwali singer Amjad Sabri shot dead in Karachi

Famous qawwali singer Amjad Sabri has been shot dead in the Pakistani port city of Karachi on Wednesday, the country’s media reported. Sabri was the son of renowned qawwal Ghulam Farid Sabri whose family is famous in the subcontinent for their contribution to this sufi art and mystic poetry. Known for his soul-stirring renditions of mystic poetry, he was one of the finest Pakistani qawwali singers.

According to the reports, Sabri, 45, was travelling in a car with an associate in a car when unknown gunmen on motorbikes opened fire at his vehicle in the city’s Liaquatabad area. His driver has also been reportedly shot and is stated to be in a critical state.

The two were rushed to Abbasi Shaheed hospital, where Sabri succumbed to his injuries.

“Three people including Amjad Sabri have been killed in a targeted attack on his car in Liaquatabad 10 area this afternoon,” a senior police official said. “He was shot in the chest and head and he was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed hospital immediately, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver and associate have been killed in the targeted attack,” the official said.

Media reports quoting police sources said Sabri was shot three times, including two in the head.